Farming Basics

Laminarman · Oct 29, 2003

Stupid question here: I'm getting a NH soon (40D), will have 77 acres and all of a sudden think it would be neat to "plant some stuff" other than deer food plots. Is there a book on farming basics, such as what are the advantages of front blade/back blade, rakes, box scrapers and all those other seemingly endless implements? For example, I have no idea how a dude plants all those straight rows of corn, then cuts them all at the same time. Who makes hay bales? I would love a reference with all this material. All of you guys are great, thanks in advance.

Rch · Oct 29, 2003

Farming is highly unique to your location. Your profile is sparse and needs to be fleshed out.

I would talk with local USDA Ag agent and consider renting out the work. This would give you a chance to watch first hand what's involved and with a little humility see if this is something you could do with the equipment you have. Some farmers, just like anybody else, like to be mentors to an appreciative student. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

em14 · Oct 29, 2003

Your very best friend will become your County Farm Extension Agent ... That office can lead you to those publications and will come out and advise you on occassions at your farm. With that much land you will be on their mailing list anyway. Next best IMO is the ag school(s) in your area. They produce most of the literature the agent will refer to you. And by all means, your neighbors! And don't for get USDA.
Leo

em14 · Oct 29, 2003

I also just sent you a private mail ... check "your "My Home"
Leo

Robert_in_NY · Oct 29, 2003

This is a site designed to show toy tractors in all stages of farming. While it is not very in depth it will help explain the different parts of farming to you as there are lots of pictures and explanations as to what is going on. It is very basic and is what started one of the largest (if not "the largest") toy tractor websites in the world. Funny how some things that start out as a fun little hobby turn into a very large production (similar to you getting your tractor and suddendly wanting to farm) Farming on a small scale is fun if that is all you want to do. If you try to make money off of it then it might not be as much fun (then it becomes work /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif) Anyway, just click on the arrows on the bottom of the pages to walk you to the next page. Toy Tractor Show

Laminarman · Oct 29, 2003

Thanks for your help everyone. I'll start digging around the local "free" government agencies that I pay taxes for!

Slamfire · Oct 30, 2003

There is a book titled "Sucessful Small-Scale Farming" by Karl Scgwenke, published by Story Books of Pownall, Vermont that covers the basics. And gives some idea of what you are looking at. It is by no means all inclusive, but gives some idea of the equipment needed for various crops. I think it is available at Amazon.